The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-13
Beautiful Weather Aids in Making the 0cca.
sion One of the Most Successful Known
in the History of the National Capital.
Gen. Refer Delivers Splendid Grafton
and Scores a Personal Victory.
The Scheme Devised for His Annoyance Re-
acts Upon Its Inventors in Manner I'm
looked for and Decidedly Unpleasant.
THE GARFIELD STATUE.
Ceremonies Incident to Its Unveiiin2-Eio-
quent Grafton by General keifer-


the reunion of the Society of the Army of the
Cumberland was a perfect specimen of Wash
ington spring weather. The sky was cloudless
the temperature delightful and q light breeze
tempered the suns rays just enough to make
ideal day for open air ceremonies. At an early
hour in the morning small detachments of regu-
lar troops, militia and other organizations that
were to participate in the parade took possession
of the streets. The music of the brass bands
heard II every quarter. At noon the executive
departments were closed and added their quota
to the throngs on the sidewalks.
At the business meeting, this morning. of the
society, Col. Henry Stone, OF Boston. was Sc
lected as the orator. and Col. William Nc
Michael, of New York. as alternate of the next
reunion. Chicago selected the place and
Chickamauga week, in September. 1855. as the
time for holding the reunion. The present
officers of the society reelected for the
coming year. as follows: President, Gen. p. H.
Sheridan; corresponding secretary, Gen. Henry
NJ. Cist; treasurer, Gen. j. s. Fullerton record
ing secretary, Gen John w. Steele, and vice
president from each State represented in the So
ciety.
Long before 11:3o o'clock, the hour fixed for
the starting of the procession, all hustle in
the negnborhood of the Arlington Hotel, and a
large number of spectators had arrived to secure
good positions from which to view the formation
of the parade. AS the time for starting ap-
preached the different bodies which were to form
the procession began to arrive and take position
on the streets previously designated for the
various organizations. The aids to the grand
marshal of the day and the societies of the Gar
field Guard of Honor and the Army of the Cum
berland rendezvoused in front of the Arlington
Hotel while tie G. A. r.. the government
troops and the District militia formed on streets
in the immediate vicinity. Promptly at 1l:30
o'clock General Baird chief marshal of the
parade, gave the signal for marching. and the
procession started. A platoon of mounted police
led the way, followed by General Baird and his
aids. who preceded earriaga in which were
seated Generals Sherman, Sheridan and Rose
Grams, three of the four living commanders of
the Army of the Cumberland, General Buell.
the remaining commander being unable 10 be
present The right of the procession moved up
FL street to Eighteenth tn street, each organization
wheeling into line the left of the preceding
company passed. From Eighteenth street the
procession proceeded to Pennsylvania avenue,
down which it marched TO Third street, where
the first division debouched and proceeded down
Third to Maryland avenue, and halted on that
avenue, near the monument The second division
continued it's course and took position on First
street, at the north of the statue
On a grand stand the statue seats had
been arranged for !, 500 persons. A number of
these occupied at least hour before the
procession arrived The grand stand was pro-
fusely draped with bunting and the speakers
stand was ornamented with graceful palms and
plants while a tattered flag hung from it's staff
at either corner A pair Of comfortable arm
chairs, placed in the center of the stand were
reserved for the President and Mrs. Cleveland
Places were also reserved for tho sculptor and
other favored guests. The large circle surround
ing the monument kept clear by police
while the sidewalks were crowded with specta-
tors
just before / o'clock the invited guests began
to arrive. James and Harry Garfield were es-
corted to seats by General Mussey. while Colo
mel Wilson performed similar Office for the
aged W. w. Corcoran. The usual Thursday
Cabinet meeting was adjourned at an early hour
in order to enable the President and his advisers
to attend the unwilling ceremonies. Secretary
Bayard and Attorney general Garland were
among the early arrivals. and seated TO the
left of Mrs. Cleveland. The members OF the
Supreme Court of the United States came in a
body, excepting Justices Wood and Harlan and
were seated in the first the left of the
speakers stand, with the District judiciary;
members of the Court of Claims and District
Commissioners were also present. The repre-
sentatives OF the diplomatic corps were placed
in the right Of the stand.
At l o'clock Generals Sherman Sheridan and
Rosecraus and Governor Curtin arrived in a
carriage, just after the head of the procession
made its appearance. They were soon followed
by President Cleveland, escorted by General
Anderson and Secretary and Mrs Fairchild,
Colonel and Mrs Lamont. Postmaster-general
Villas and Secretary Lamar. Mrs. Cleveland
came accompanied by Mrs Folsom. Miss Bayard
and Miss Welsh, just after / o'clock and took
her seat beside the Presidents chair. Ex-Secre-
tary Window and ex-Attorney-general Mac
Veagh, Of President Garfeld's Cabinet were
among the guests present
At Ito o'clock Marshal Wilson, taking his
place the stand. said
Attention. ladies and gentlemen-The Socie-
ty Of the Army of the cumberland. with these
distinguished guests. assemble here to-day
for tie purpose of unveng the statue of that
eminent statesman and soldier James A. Gar
field. The exercises will be opened with prayer
by the Rev DIR. Giesy.
In his prayer the clergyman referred in glow
ing language to the merits of the illustrious
statesman to whom the statue was erected. The
Marine band surrounding the monument struck
up Hail TO the Chief" and amid the clappiDg OF
hands the American flag enveloping the statue
dropped and the great bronze image stood
exposed to the rays of the midday There
was short lull in the proceedings while bat
terry of artillery fired national salute.
General Sheridan then introduced the orator
of the day-Gen. J. Warren Keifer, who, on the
part of the monument committee. delivered an
address transferring the statue TO General Sher-
idan. In the of his address General
keifer said:
This statue is mainly a tribute from General
Garfeld's immediate companions of the Army of
the Cumberland with which ne served, and in
which, chief of staff. he bore SO cons spicuous
part. But though love. born Of camp, bivouac
and battle, prompted its erection, yet, ID